Fence

ABSTRACT

A method for forming a fence includes forming first and second feet each having at least two extensions thereon, wherein at least three extensions are spaced apart and parallel to each other; forming a frame having first, second and third elongated posts, wherein the first elongated post is below the extensions projecting from the first and second feet, wherein the third elongated post is positioned above the first and second posts, and wherein the second support post is positioned between the first and third elongated posts; and forming a wire mesh on the frame and welded to the three elongated posts.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present inventions generally relate to fencing.

2. Description of the Related Art

Traditionally, fences have been used in residential and industrial settings as a barrier for privacy and/or security. Fences typically have vertical fence posts, which have a bottom portion anchored to the ground and an upper portion that supports a panel which can be made of woven metal wires. Such woven wires can form a fabric defining a diamond (commonly known as “chain-link”) or other patterns. Other types of fence panels are made from wires welded into a desired design. Metal couplers are used to attach the panels to the posts.

Long portions of such panels can be rolled for storage and transport. Because the such metal fabrics can be stored in rolls for extended period of time, the metal may retain its curved shape when the fabric is unrolled. Thus, the fabric may become biased toward its rolled position thereby making installation of the panels difficult.

Conventional fences have couplers that attach the panels to the fence posts. For example, chain-link fences have metal couplers that attach the chain-link fabric to the fence posts. The metal couplers are generally U-shaped and have ends that are bent to form a closed loop around a wire of the chain-link fabric. The ends of the coupler are coupled to wires on either side of the fence post so that the fence post is between the U-shaped coupler and the chain-link fabric.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a method for forming a fence includes forming first and second feet each having at least two extensions thereon, wherein at least three extensions are spaced apart and parallel to each other; forming a frame having first, second and third elongated posts, wherein the first elongated post is below the extensions projecting from the first and second feet, wherein the third elongated post is positioned above the first and second posts, and wherein the second support post is positioned between the first and third elongated posts; and forming a wire mesh on the frame and welded to the three elongated posts.

In a second aspect, a rollable fence with simplified field assembly with two feet and a frame on wheels is provided. The first and second feet each having at least two extensions thereon, wherein at least three extensions are spaced apart and parallel to each other. A frame is formed with first, second and third elongated posts defining the length of the frame, and fourth and fifth posts defining the width of the frame. The first elongated post is below the extensions projecting from the first and second feet, the third elongated post is positioned above the first and second posts, and the second support post is positioned between the first and third elongated posts. The fourth and fifth posts connect the ends of the first, second and third posts to complete a quadrilateral shaped frame, which can be a square, rectangle, or rectilinear shaped frame. A wire mesh is then placed on the frame and welded to the three elongated posts and the two shorter end posts.

In a third aspect, a fence includes first and second feet; a frame supported on one end by the first and second feet, the frame having a middle support post running along one side of the frame, the frame further having two U-shaped support structure centrally positioned on each side of the support post, and a wire mesh positioned on the frame, the support post and the two U-shaped support structure, wherein the wire mesh is welded to the support post and the support structures or posts for strength.

In another aspect, a fence has first and second feet; a frame supported on one end by the first and second feet, the frame having a middle support post running along one side of the frame, the frame further having an elongated oval shaped support structure surrounding a leaf-shaped support structure positioned on the support post, and a wire mesh positioned on the frame, the support post and the support structures, wherein the wire mesh is welded to the support post and the support structures for strength.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present inventions will now be described with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the inventions, and in which figures:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a fence.

FIG. 1B is a front view of a fence.

FIG. 1C is a rear view of the fence.

FIG. 1D is a left side view of the fence.

FIG. 1E is a right-side view of the fence.

FIG. 1F is a top view of the fence.

FIG. 1G is a bottom view of the fence.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a second fence.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the second fence.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a third fence.

FIG. 3B is a front view of the third fence.

FIG. 3C is a top view of the third fence.

FIG. 3D is a view of the support structure for the third fence.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are, for the sake of clarity, not necessarily shown to scale, and wherein like or similar elements may be designated by the same reference numeral through several views. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a fence; FIG. 1B is a front view of a fence; FIG. 1C is a rear view of the fence; FIG. 1D is a left side view of the fence; FIG. 1E is a right side view of the fence; FIG. 1F is a top view of the fence; and FIG. 1G is a bottom view of the fence. In general, the fence of FIGS. 1A-1G has:

-   -   first and second feet;     -   a frame supported on one end by the first and second feet, the         frame having a middle support post running along one side of the         frame, the frame further having two U-shaped posts centrally         positioned on each side of the support post, and     -   a wire mesh positioned on the frame, the support post and the         two U-shaped posts, wherein the wire mesh is welded to the         support post and the two U-shaped posts for strength.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame has generally rectangular outer cross-section profile which defines a rectangular outer surface. The frame has a middle support post that divides the frame into two generally rectangular inner cross-section profiles. Although not illustrated, the frame can be square or triangular. The cross section of the frame can be uniform or can vary along its longitudinal axis.

In one exemplary but non-limiting embodiment, the post 24 is constructed from steel with a thickness of about ⅛^(th) of an inch. In other embodiments, the steel can have other thicknesses. The post can also be constructed from other types of metals and other materials with suitable characteristics such as plastics, wood, or composite materials. One of ordinary skill in the art can determine the appropriate combination of material type, thickness, and shape to achieve the desired resistance to wind loads, or other forces, such as when the fencing system 20 is hit by an object.

The post assembly can be coated with materials such as paint, for example, to match the post with other components of the fencing system or other materials to inhibit corrosion. In some embodiments, the entire post assembly is coated with material to inhibit rusting of the post assembly, especially the portion of the body within or near the ground.

The frame and posts support a plurality of diamond shaped wires that are generally evenly spaced along the length of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the wires are generally parallel and defined a plane. The wires can be made of a metal, plastic, or other similar material. For example, in one embodiment the wires are made from steel. Additionally, the spacing of the pairs of wires can be arranged to provide a unique aesthetic appearance. For example, the illustrated frame and the wires are colored and provides a unique aesthetic appearance, in addition to the other advantages noted above.

In one embodiment, the wires can be treated to prolong the life of the wires. For example, the wires can be made of steel which is susceptible to rust. The wires can be covered in paint, polyester, or the like to prevent rusting. In one embodiment, the foot is substantially rectangular or square, with two posts in parallel and three posts connected thereto at even spacing therebetween at 90 degrees.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a second fence while FIG. 2B is a front view of the second fence. The left side view of the fence, the right side view of the fence, the top view of the fence; and the bottom view of the fence is similar to the views of FIGS. 1D-1G. In this embodiment, the fence of FIGS. 2A-2B has

-   -   first and second feet; and     -   a frame supported on one end by the first and second feet, the         frame having a middle support post running along one side of the         frame, the frame further having an elongated oval shaped support         structure surrounding a leaf-shaped support structure positioned         on the support post, and     -   a wire mesh positioned on the frame, the support post and the         support structures, wherein the wire mesh is welded to the         support post and the support structures for strength.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a third fence; FIG. 3B is a front view of the third fence; FIG. 3C is a top view of the third fence; and FIG. 3D is a view of the support structure for the third fence. Collectively, the figures show first and second feet each having at least two extensions thereon, wherein at least three extensions are spaced apart and parallel to each other. A frame is formed with first, second and third elongated posts defining the length of the frame, and fourth and fifth posts defining the width of the frame. The first elongated post is below the extensions projecting from the first and second feet, the third elongated post is positioned above the first and second posts, and the second support post is positioned between the first and third elongated posts. The fourth and fifth posts connect the ends of the first, second and third posts to complete a quadrilateral shaped frame, which can be a square, rectangle, or rectilinear shaped frame. A wire mesh is then placed on the frame and welded to the three elongated posts and the two shorter end posts.

To form the fence, a method includes forming first and second feet each having at least two extensions thereon, wherein at least three extensions are spaced apart and parallel to each other; forming a frame having first, second and third elongated posts, wherein the first elongated post is below the extensions projecting from the first and second feet, wherein the third elongated post is positioned above the first and second posts, and wherein the second support post is positioned between the first and third elongated posts; and forming a wire mesh on the frame and welded to the three elongated posts.

In one embodiment, FIG. 4D shows use of pipes that are 1 inch and 1.25 inch diameter. The first and second feet each having at least two extensions about 10″ thereon, wherein at least three extensions are spaced apart and parallel to each other. One foot is a rectangular plate of 8″×2′1½″. Next in FIG. 4D is a rod of about 6′1.75″, with one U-shaped end with a middle portion of 4 5/16″ and extending about 10″ from one end. Next in FIG. 4D is a supporting rail with rail width of about 2.5″ and length of about 12′6″. Two 10″ posts extend from one rail end, and one 10″ post extend from the other end. A 12×6 ft frame is formed with first, second and third elongated posts defining the length of the frame, and fourth and fifth posts defining the width of the frame with a wire mesh placed on the frame and welded to the three elongated posts and the two shorter end posts.

Those skilled in the art recognize that various other types of panels can be used for the fencing system 20F or example, in one embodiment, the wires consists of generally evenly spaced horizontal and vertical wires. In other embodiments, the wires can be a mesh with non-orthogonal wires. Optionally, fasteners can be used to attach the vertical wires to the horizontal wires instead of or in addition to welding. The fasteners can be wire clips, wire brackets, plastic fasteners, and the like.

The fencing system can be coated with materials such as paint, plastic, or the like, for example, to inhibit corrosion of the system. In one embodiment, the fencing system is coated with colored polyester. Some or all of the components of the fencing system can be galvanized to further inhibit corrosion. Of course, the galvanized components can be coated with materials, such as polyester. While particular forms of the invention have been described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for forming a fence, comprising: forming first and second feet each having at least two extensions thereon, wherein at least three extensions are spaced apart and parallel to each other; forming a frame having first, second and third elongated posts, wherein the first elongated post is below the extensions projecting from the first and second feet, wherein the third elongated post is positioned above the first and second posts, and wherein the second support post is positioned between the first and third elongated posts; and forming a wire mesh on the frame and welded to the three elongated posts.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein two of the three parallel extensions are on one foot, comprising positioning a fourth extension perpendicular to the three extensions.
 3. The method of claim 1, comprising mounting wheels on both ends of the frame.
 4. The method of claim 1, comprising placing the three extensions on a rail.
 5. The method of claim 1, comprising: placing the three extensions on a rail; mounting wheels on both ends of the frame; and aligning the wheels to move over the rail.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein two of the three parallel extensions are on one foot, comprising positioning a hooked bar across from the two extensions and perpendicular to the three extensions.
 7. The method of claim 6, comprising forming a U-shaped end for the hooked bar.
 8. The method of claim 1, comprising forming two U-shaped support structures on the frame.
 9. The method of claim 8, comprising forming the support structures on the second elongated post.
 10. The method of claim 1, comprising forming an elongated oval shaped support structure surrounding a leaf-shaped support structure positioned on the frame.
 11. The method of claim 10, comprising forming the support structures on the second elongated post.
 12. A fence, comprising: first and second feet; and a frame supported on one end by the first and second feet, the frame having a middle support post running along one side of the frame, the frame further having two U-shaped support structures on the support post, and a wire mesh positioned on the frame, the support post and the two U-shaped structures, wherein the wire mesh is welded to the support post and the two U-shaped posts for strength.
 13. The fence of claim 12, wherein the first foot comprises three vertical bars coupled to three horizontal bars.
 14. The fence of claim 12, comprising two extensions projecting from one of the vertical bars.
 15. The fence of claim 12, comprising wheels on both ends of the frame.
 16. A fence, comprising: first and second feet; and a frame supported on one end by the first and second feet, the frame having a middle support post running along one side of the frame, the frame further having an elongated oval shaped support structure surrounding a leaf-shaped support structure positioned on the support post, and a wire mesh positioned on the frame, the support post and the support structures, wherein the wire mesh is welded to the support post and the support structures for strength.
 17. The fence of claim 16, wherein the first foot comprises three vertical bars coupled to three horizontal bars.
 18. The fence of claim 16, comprising two extensions projecting from one of the vertical bars.
 19. The fence of claim 16, comprising two extensions projecting from a central vertical bar.
 20. The fence of claim 1, comprising wheels on both ends of the frame. 